RRC Inactive Security via Counter-Mapped Variables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from RRC inactive to RRC connected state in 5G wireless communication systems lacks effective security measures for the stored AS context, which is critical for maintaining user equipment (UE) security and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a wireless device receives information on multiple security variables, maps them to counter values, calculates a security parameter, and updates the UE ID, then transmits an RRC resume request message including these parameters to ensure secure state transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the RRC resume request message includes the stored AS context for fast state transition, then the transition speed from RRC inactive to RRC connected state is improved, but the security of the AS context is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating security parameters (MAC-I, next MAC-I) and pre-updating UE identifiers (I-RNTI, C-RNTI) before the actual state transition occurs. This allows the UE to include these pre-computed security elements in the RRC resume request message, enabling fast transition while maintaining security validation capability at the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes security parameters by introducing multiple security variables (counter values, security parameters) that are mapped and updated dynamically. The UE calculates different security parameters based on counter values and updates UE identifiers accordingly, creating a parameter-based security mechanism that validates the resume request while enabling fast state transition.
2Reliability
If multiple security variables are calculated and UE ID is updated for enhanced security, then the security parameter calculation complexity increases, but the transition speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security mechanism by dividing security variables into multiple counter values and mapping them to different security parameters. This segmentation allows the UE to calculate and update security parameters in a structured manner, managing complexity through organized variable separation while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the security parameter calculation adaptive rather than static. The UE determines which security variable to use based on counter values and updates UE identifiers dynamically. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between security strength and calculation complexity by selecting appropriate security parameters based on the current state.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting security in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives information on multiple security variables, of which each variable is mapped to each of multiple counter values, respectively. The UE calculates a security parameter and/or updating a UE identifier (ID) based on a security variable among the security variables which is mapped to a corresponding counter value among the multiple counter values, and transmits a radio resource control (RRC) resume request message including the calculated security parameter and/or the updated UE ID. The counter value may be increase whenever a timer expires or an RRC reject message is received as a response to the RRC resume request message.